Believe in yourself, take risks, and don’t let traditional measurements of success dictate your own. These powerful words were spoken by Kerry Washington, Patty Jenkins, and composer Laura Karpman at the Tribeca Chanel Through Her Lens conversation. The event, moderated by Perri Peltz, shed light on the hurdles women face in the film industry and the significance of mentorship and support for emerging filmmakers.
Patty Jenkins, known for directing Wonder Woman and Monster, emphasized the need for diverse storytelling. She highlighted the industry’s tendency to rely on past data for success metrics, which often leads to the exclusion of unique voices and narratives. Jenkins urged new filmmakers to share their stories from the beginning of their careers, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity.
Challenging the Illusion of Progress
Jenkins also touched on the lack of substantial progress in Hollywood’s representation of diverse stories. Despite the outward appearance of diversity in leadership roles, she pointed out the underlying lack of confidence in narratives that deviate from the norm. Jenkins shared her experiences advocating for director Gina Prince-Bythewood and highlighted the prevailing biases that hinder the recognition of women-led projects.
Additionally, Jenkins challenged the notion that men’s stories are universally relatable, questioning why other perspectives are often sidelined. She emphasized the need for a broader range of stories to be told and celebrated in the film industry, beyond the traditional male-oriented narratives.
The Power of Representation
Kerry Washington, a prominent figure in the industry, emphasized the importance of representation in media, particularly for children. Drawing on her experience as a mother of Black daughters, she highlighted the impact of seeing empowered and diverse characters on screen. Washington stressed that inclusivity in storytelling is essential as it reflects the richness and diversity of humanity.
Laura Karpman, a renowned composer, added to the conversation by addressing the gender disparity within the film composer community. She advocated for work stoppages and greater inclusion in voting bodies to drive meaningful change in the industry. Karpman’s insights shed light on the need for systemic changes to create a more inclusive and diverse creative landscape.
Reflecting on her journey with Scandal, Washington recounted the skepticism surrounding the show’s launch due to its groundbreaking nature. Showcasing a Black woman in a lead role was deemed a risky move, yet Washington and the team behind the series persevered. She emphasized the importance of taking risks in creativity and pushing boundaries to pave the way for new and diverse narratives in the industry.
In closing, the panelists shared valuable insights on the significance of mentorship, confidence-building, and self-care in navigating the challenges of the film industry. Jenkins stressed the importance of women supporting and mentoring each other, while Karpman highlighted the value of language and communication skills in asserting one’s voice.
The conversation culminated in a luncheon where industry luminaries gathered to celebrate another year of the Through Her Lens program. Notable attendees included Jane Rosenthal, Selma Blair, Katie Holmes, and other influential figures who recognize the importance of championing women’s voices in the film industry. The event served as a reminder of the progress made and the work still to be done in creating a more inclusive and equitable landscape for all storytellers.